Jason Statham Dominates Prime Video And Returns To Theaters

Jason Statham’s name has become synonymous with high-octane action and relentless, crowd-pleasing entertainment. This January, the British action star has managed to make headlines twice—once for dominating the streaming charts with the aquatic thriller Meg 2: The Trench, and again for headlining a brand-new survival drama, Shelter, which is about to make its big-screen debut. Both films are making waves for different reasons, but together they highlight Statham’s enduring appeal and the current appetite for his unique brand of cinematic adrenaline.

Let’s start with what’s happening on the streaming front. According to ComicBook.com, Meg 2: The Trench, the 2023 sequel to the blockbuster The Meg, has shot up the Prime Video charts in the United States, cracking the Top 10 and climbing to the #7 spot as of January 21, 2026. It’s a surprising turn, especially since the film’s arrival on Prime Video on January 1 was not accompanied by any major anniversary, news cycle, or promotional push. The only explanation? Audiences just can’t get enough of Statham battling giant prehistoric sharks in exotic locales.

For those who missed the initial wave, Meg 2: The Trench picks up where its predecessor left off, following a group of scientists—led, of course, by Statham—on a wild, underwater adventure as they face off against another monstrous megalodon. The film is based on Steve Alten’s best-selling series of novels, and while the first movie had a famously long and troubled development, it finally surfaced in 2018 and grossed more than $500 million worldwide. The sequel, released in 2023, didn’t quite reach those heights but still raked in an impressive $398 million globally, as reported by ComicBook.com.

So, what’s behind this latest surge in popularity? According to Flix Patrol data cited by ComicBook.com, Meg 2 has been steadily climbing the Prime Video charts for the past five days, outpacing a slew of fresh arrivals—including the 21 Jump Street movies, the Ted films, and the first four Mission: Impossible installments. There’s no obvious reason for this resurgence—no viral meme, no trending hashtag, no celebrity scandal. It seems that, for now, the appeal of giant sharks and Jason Statham’s rugged heroics are enough to keep viewers glued to their screens.

This unexpected streaming success has reignited speculation about the future of the franchise. Fans and industry watchers alike are asking: Where is The Meg 3? The good news for shark movie aficionados is that Steve Alten’s book series offers plenty of material for future adaptations, with sequels boasting titles like “Primal Waters,” “Nightstalkers,” “Generations,” and “Hell’s Aquarium.” Each could easily provide the foundation for another over-the-top, action-packed installment. However, as ComicBook.com points out, there’s no official word yet on whether a third film is in the works. One possible obstacle is the international nature of the production: Meg 2 was a collaboration between American and Chinese companies, including Di Bonaventura Pictures, China Film Co., Ltd., and Alibaba Pictures. The current political climate may complicate such partnerships, but the franchise’s international box office appeal makes a third entry feel almost inevitable.

While fans wait for news about the next giant shark adventure, Statham isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s about to star in a very different kind of thriller: Shelter, directed by Ric Roman Waugh (best known for Greenland and Angel Has Fallen). The film promises a more intimate, character-driven story, but with the same high stakes and edge-of-your-seat tension that Statham fans have come to expect.

In Shelter, Statham plays a reclusive man living on a remote coastal island who is forced out of isolation when he rescues a young girl, played by Bodhi Rae Breathnach, from a deadly storm. Their survival quickly becomes a tense journey, as he must confront his turbulent past while protecting her from dangers both natural and human. Rounding out the cast are Naomi Ackie, known for her portrayal of Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and Academy Award nominee Bill Nighy, whose gravitas adds another layer of intrigue to the ensemble.

The film is produced by Black Bear, Punch Palace Pictures, CineMachine, and Stampede Ventures, bringing together a team with a track record for gripping, visually arresting dramas. Shelter is rated R for violence and some language, signaling that it won’t shy away from the harsh realities of its survivalist premise.

For those eager to catch the film before its wide release, there’s an advance screening scheduled in St. Louis on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Galleria 6, starting at 7:00 PM. Organizers are encouraging attendees to arrive early, as seating is not guaranteed and interest is expected to be high. The screening is generating considerable buzz, especially among Statham’s loyal fanbase, who are curious to see how he handles a role that promises both physical intensity and emotional depth.

Statham’s recent run of success, both on streaming and on the big screen, is a testament to his versatility and enduring popularity. Whether he’s battling a giant shark in the depths of the ocean or navigating the treacherous emotional waters of a survival drama, he brings a commitment and charisma that keeps audiences coming back for more. It’s a rare feat, especially in an era where franchises often struggle to maintain momentum after a few installments.

What’s more, the continued success of the Meg franchise on Prime Video highlights a broader trend: the power of streaming platforms to breathe new life into films, sometimes long after their theatrical runs have ended. As viewers discover (or rediscover) these movies at home, they can create new waves of demand that influence what gets greenlit next in Hollywood. For now, it looks like Statham’s star is only rising, with both Meg 2: The Trench and Shelter serving as proof that audiences are still hungry for his brand of action-packed storytelling.

With the advance screening of Shelter just days away and Meg 2 riding high on streaming charts, it’s clear that Jason Statham’s hold on the action genre remains as strong as ever. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep-sea monster romp or a tense island survival thriller, this January, there’s no escaping Statham’s cinematic pull.